Drum Sander

johnf · 18 Oct 2009

Hi all

thinking about buying a drum sander something like this http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Jet- ... -33027.htm
anyone use one and opinions please

JonnyD · 18 Oct 2009

I dont have any direct experience with the sander you linked too but i do have a larger 36in wide model.

They are good for finishing wild grain and thin components such as shop made veneer. They dont leave a finish which is good enough to finish straight way IMO as a bit of hand sanding or use of a ROS is needed.

The problems i see with that machine are feed belt is made from an abrasive sheet and may not be that durable and whether the sander has the ability to accurately sand a wider component without leaving lines or ridges.

If you can stretch to a bit more money and have the space i think this would be a better bet http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axmi ... -23258.htm

cheers

Jon

BradNaylor · 19 Oct 2009

I've got the one Jonny has linked to and can recommend it whole-heartedly. I use it on a daily basis in a professional shop. I keep thinking of upgrading to a wide belt sander but to be honest I don't see the point.

I worry about the accuracy of an 'open-ended' drum sander and would definitely pay the extra couple of hundred for the 'Senior'.

Cheers
Brad

OPJ · 19 Oct 2009

JonnyD":2uusgmoq said:
They dont leave a finish which is good enough to finish straight way IMO as a bit of hand sanding or use of a ROS is needed.

That is true. Although, they're great for removing planer marks and, as you say, getting a smooth surface on difficult grain. :wink:

Lord Nibbo's got one of the open-ended Jet machines, you could ask him, John. He saved a few hundreds of pounds in buying one off eBay (I've also seen those Senior sanders crop up from time to time).

Steve Maskery · 19 Oct 2009

https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1868

S

dunbarhamlin · 19 Oct 2009

I have the same machine, and the linked review matches my experience. Good little machine can give very good results.
Two points, though:
Setting the arm parallel to the bed is a faff freehand - someone (sorry can't remember who) suggested using a reference blocks at either end of the drum, loosing the arm and tightening with both ends rested on the blocks - works a charm.
DO buy rolls instead of individual loading - ridiculous amount cheaper.
Also, particularly with higher grits, can drastically improve final finish by feeding very slowly - but must only be tickling the wood, especially if resinous. Set up an infeed/outfeed and go make the tea.